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Greenhouse gases and atmospheric pollutants Typeit
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Gases such as carbon dioxide and water vapour which keep Earth's surface at high temperatures are called . These have always been present, but scientists believe that recently humans have been increasing the concentration of these gases in the , which is causing global change. However, this is not a universally accepted opinion since it is difficult to accurately predict our effect on Earth's temperature.
Burning as a source of energy is one of the biggest contributors of carbon dioxide, and this effect is made worse as removes millions of trees that would otherwise act as carbon sinks. Meanwhile, large amounts of are released by cattle, swamps and landfill. The effects this is having on the world include rising due to ice caps melting and oceans expanding, and changes in wildlife distribution as species migrate to new areas, decline in numbers or even face , the loss of all individuals of a species. Another potential effect is an increase in flooding, droughts and other extreme events across the globe.
Sulfur is an example of a pollutant produced when coal and other fuels are burnt. It causes rain and is also associated with respiratory problems in some people. Burning hydrocarbons can also form particulates which can lead to global , and the colourless toxic gas can be formed if incomplete combustion takes place.
A is the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by, and as a result of, something over its lifetime. This can be lowered by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and methane; for example, by using alternative energy sources such as made from plants.